Optimist Meeting Minutes 2-19-14

Guest: The Club had a wonderful presentation by Carrie Stuart who is the President of Adams County Chambers.  She talked with us about the Adams County Economic Education Foundation. This foundation supports youth in several ways, including Senior Self Improvement which is given to a student from each of the Adams County school districts.  The applicants must submit a written statement along with 2 references. The winner is selected based on improvement in areas such as attendance, attitude, behavior, grades, and service to others.  The selected recipients will receive a $500 cash prize.  Four runners up will receive a $100 cash prize.

There is also a local mentoring program where students and community leaders commit to a 2 year partnership.  The students have monthly training sessions.  The goal is to expose at risk youth to positive leaders in the community to foster self-esteem, career planning, and improved academics.

There is also a career awareness portion of the foundation which helps to prepare students for the future.  There is an annual Career Fair held at Gettysburg College.  Students spend a half day on campus.  They have the opportunity to attend three different career presentations (out of a possible 65) to learn about their interests.

In cooperation with HACC-Gettysburg the foundation offers an “Introduction to Manufacturing and Business” course which combines classroom learning at HACC with 9 weeks of on-site business instruction in the local community.  Carrie received a $1250 donation from the Optimist Club for this foundation which benefits so many local youth.

 

Treasurer Report:  The final totals from the Magic Show are in.  As a result of many generous donations the Club surpassed its fundraising goal for this event by more than $1000.  Thank you to everyone who participated!

Basketball: We have had a 2 week break, but returned to the courts this Saturday.  A photographer dispensed order forms for team and individual pictures.  The photographs will be taken Saturday, March 1st.  10% of proceeds from the photographs will go to the Optimist Club.

Stars Program: Joe attended this program last month.  He offered a few words about the Club and the events that we support.  Many of the award recipients recalled participating in Optimist Basketball or receiving a book from the RIF program.

Oyster & Shrimp Feed: March is fast approaching along with the much-loved Annual Oyster and Shrimp Feed.  The feed is slated for Saturday, March 8th from 12-3pm at the Gettysburg Fire Hall.  Tickets are $35 and it is strongly encouraged to order tickets prior to the event.  All able-bodies are asked to come and support this fundraising event. Set up for the feed will occur on Friday, March 7th at 6:30pm at the Fire Hall.  Currently, Daryl, Mark C., Bill, Tom, Joe, Don D., Fred, Kris and Walt have signed up for set-up.  Daryl, Mark C, Marci, Bill, Tom, Joe, Don D, Fred, Walt, Jean, Darlene, Kris, and Mindy have signed up for the feed.  Please email Wayne ([email protected]) with the number of tickets you have sold or if you would like to help on the 7th or 8th.   More information may be found here.

Golf Tournament: The deposit has been put down to reserve the Links for our golf tournament on Thursday, May 22nd.  Please continue to seek out golfers and sponsors.  More information may be found here.

Hoss’s Fundraiser: The club’s next fundraiser at Hoss’s is scheduled for Saturday, March 15th.  Please encourage your friends and family to attend as 20-25% of proceeds will go to the club.  Joe is picking up vouchers for the event or you may print one from our website.

East York Optimist Annual Pig Roast Fundraiser: Tuesday, March 25th at 6:30pm.  This great event is All-You-Can-Eat for $40.  There will also be more than $1700 in prizes, so please consider supporting another wonderful Optimist organization.  Contact Walt ([email protected]) for more information.

 

Upcoming Meetings: Wednesday, March 5th at 6:30pm at Mamma Ventura’s.

Wednesday, March 19th at 6:30pm at theArtCouncilBuilding